"But he will come here with a lot to prove. There's a feeling in England that the Scottish league is not that
competitive. But I can tell you that, after being there and playing for Glasgow Rangers, they never have an easy game of football."

Earlier Rovers chief executive John Williams announced the deal had been brokered with Rangers.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "We hope to discuss personal terms with Barry Ferguson later today.

"At this stage, the agreement is only a verbal one with the club, but that's only because representatives from Rangers have been in Monaco for the Champions League draw."

Blackburn are believed to be paying £6.5m to the Scottish champions immediately, and £1m in instalments.

McLeish hoped the honour of captaining his side in the Champions League for the first time would force a change of heart from the lifelong Rangers fan, who has made clear his desire to leave for the English Premiership having spent his whole career in Scotland.